Delicious Chesapeake Chicken Recipe: A Must-Try for Foodies!
As a home chef and avid party-thrower, I love finding recipes that impress my guests while also being easy to prepare. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my Chesapeake Chicken Recipe – a perfect choice for a special dinner or any occasion that requires delicious and satisfying comfort food. This recipe is an ode to the traditional Eastern Shore favorite – chicken Chesapeake, which features creamy crab stuffing baked inside tender and flavorful chicken.
If you’re from the East Coast or have had the pleasure of dining in Maryland, you’ve likely tasted Chesapeake Bay-style seafood entrees such as crab cakes and crab imperial. With this recipe, not only can you level up your chicken dinner game, but you can also pay homage to a classic flavor combination of chicken and seafood.
But don’t let the fanciness of the name fool you! This Chesapeake Chicken Recipe is simple enough for anyone to make, even those who are new to cooking or prefer quick and easy dinner recipes. Plus, there are options to switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand – making it both versatile and adaptable.
So whether you’re cooking for a large gathering or just looking for a new take on baked chicken, read on to discover why you’ll love this recipe and how to recreate it yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to cooking, nothing beats a recipe that is both easy to make and packed with flavor, which is exactly what the Chesapeake Chicken Recipe offers. If you’re a fan of seafood and chicken, then this recipe is the perfect combination for you!
This delicious chicken chesapeake recipe features lump crab meat stuffing baked inside tender and flavorful chicken breasts. The traditional eastern shore favorite features a creamy crab stuffing baked inside the chicken, resulting in an explosion of flavors with every bite.
What makes this dish even more promising is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can prepare this mouth-watering chicken recipe quickly, making it an ideal meal on even the busiest weeknight. And if you love bacon, why not add a sprinkle of thick-cut bacon to the dish for an extra pop of flavors?
If you’re trying to impress your guests or simply want to indulge in some finger-licking goodness, then give this Chesapeake Chicken Recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make Chesapeake Chicken Recipe:
Chicken Chesapeake
- 2 whole chickens, cut into pieces or 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lump crab meat
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Crab Stuffing
- 1/4 cup crab meat
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 2 white potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 yellow potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 yellow onions, chopped
Sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup white wine
- Thick cut bacon slices for garnish
Make sure to get fresh ingredients from your local market.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients for our Chesapeake Chicken Recipe, it’s time to get cooking!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
- If you’re using whole chickens, cut them into pieces and remove the skin. If you’re using chicken pieces, make sure they are boneless and skinless.
- Season the chicken with Old Bay seasoning on both sides (1 tsp per pound of meat).
Step 2: Prepare the stuffing
In a bowl, mix together:
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream
- 1/4 cup minced yellow onions
- 1/4 cup minced celery
- 1/4 cup minced carrots
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs (or Panko)
- 8 oz. lump crab meat
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Step 3: Stuff the chicken
Take each chicken piece and stuff it with the crab mixture. If there is extra filling, set it aside for later use.
Step 4: Bake the chicken
Place the stuffed chicken pieces in a greased baking dish or cast iron skillet. Pour any remaining crab mixture over the chicken pieces.
Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For optimal browning, switch to the broil setting in your oven for the final 5 minutes.
Step 5: Serve!
Once done, remove from oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Drizzle with any additional sauce or gravy if you desire.
Enjoy your delicious Chesapeake Bay-inspired creation!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about cooking is that you have the ability to put your own spin on a classic recipe. With this Chesapeake Chicken Recipe, there are a number of substitutions and variations you can make to personalize it according to your liking.
First off, if you are unable to find whole chickens or chicken pieces at the grocery store, boneless skinless chicken breasts work just as well. Simply stuff them with the crab mixture and bake according to the recipe.
Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of crab meat, try substituting it with shrimp or lobster meat for a different variation of seafood stuffed chicken.
Another way to change up this recipe is by using different types of potatoes or vegetables. Instead of white and yellow potatoes, try using sweet potatoes or red potatoes. You can also add in other vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, or bell peppers for a pop of color and texture.
To make this dish even richer and creamier, add a splash of white wine or 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream to the crab mixture before stuffing the chicken. This will give it an indulgent twist that is perfect for special occasions.
Lastly, instead of serving the chicken with the traditional Old Bay seasoning sauce, try pairing it with grilled corn on the cob or a refreshing green salad for a lighter meal option.
These substitutions and variations can help transform this classic Chesapeake Chicken Recipe into a one-of-a-kind dish that reflects your personal preferences and culinary creativity.
Serving and Pairing
The Chesapeake Chicken Recipe is a traditional Eastern Shore favorite that features creamy crab stuffing baked inside tender and flavorful chicken breasts. It is a simple yet delicious chicken recipe that can be served with a variety of side dishes and complemented with various drinks.
For sides, I recommend serving this dish with some roasted vegetables such as carrots, celery, and white potatoes, or a salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken and the crab stuffing. Or if you prefer something more filling, mashed potatoes or rice would complement this dish well.
To complete the meal, I suggest pairing this dish with white wine. A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc would be a perfect match for the flavors of the Chesapeake Chicken, but you can also opt for a light beer such as a classic pilsner or lager to unwind on a hot day.
If you want this meal to be extra special, I suggest making some crab cakes as an appetizer or dessert with some sweet wine like moscato d’asti. It’s also great for dinner parties as it is easy to prepare ahead of time.
The combination of chicken and crab meat in this recipe makes it perfect for seafood entrees lovers. You can also serve grilled chicken with another seafood variety like grilled shrimp or fish to create an elegant spread for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for an everyday family dinner or something special for entertaining friends over the weekend, this Chesapeake Chicken Recipe is sure to impress!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great benefits of this Chesapeake Chicken Recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. You can prepare the chicken and the crab stuffing baked inside separately and freeze them for up to 3 months. Once you are ready to serve it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as described in step 4 of the recipe.
If you have leftovers, they can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions of the chicken in a microwave-safe dish with a little bit of water or chicken broth, covering it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Note that while reheating the stuffed chicken in a skillet on high heat could work, it might not yield satisfactory results as the crab stuffing could come apart from the chicken. For best results, we recommend using an oven or microwave.
With these tips, you can enjoy your delicious Chesapeake Chicken at any time, whether that be serving it hot out of the oven or enjoying it as leftovers on another day!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking is an art that requires both skill and patience. When it comes to preparing a Chesapeake Chicken Recipe, ensuring that the dish comes out perfect can be quite a challenge. Here are some tips to ensure you get the most delicious chicken chesapeake.
First, using high-quality ingredients is critical. It’s essential to ensure the crabmeat is fresh, lump crabmeat is preferred, and not canned crabmeat for the filling. The white wine should have good quality and must be dry. The Old Bay seasoning should be fresh too.
Second, properly seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper before baking forms the foundation of a delicious plate of food. You can choose to take it a step further by adding some bay seasoning blend, which works wonders in terms of adding flavor.
Third, keep an eye on the internal temperature of the chicken while baking. If you are cooking whole chickens, checking for doneness with a thermometer will help ensure that it isn’t over or undercooked.
Fourth, avoid overcrowding the baking dish! Give your chicken enough space to cook uniformly and avoid releasing too much juice.
Lastly, letting your Chesapeake chicken rest for around 5 minutes after leaving the oven allows proteins to relax and juices to disperse properly throughout the dish. This simple step ensures that every bite is juicy and tender.
By following these tips, you can prepare this east coast classic dish like a pro!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Chesapeake Chicken Recipe is an amazing dish that every home chef should try making. With its creamy crab stuffing baked inside tender and flavorful chicken, this recipe is a traditional Eastern Shore favorite that features the perfect balance of savory flavors. It can be served and paired with a variety of sides, such as carrots, celery, yellow onions, white potatoes, and white wine.
The recipe is simple to follow, and one can make substitutions or variations based on personal preferences. Additionally, the recipe ingredients like old bay seasoning, crab meat, and chicken breasts are readily available in most grocery stores.
It is essential to store the leftover Chesapeake Chicken in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheat it thoroughly before eating. The make-ahead option also makes the dish perfect for meal prep or dinner parties.
In summary, whether you are hosting a party or cooking dinner recipes for your family, the Chesapeake Chicken Recipe will undoubtedly impress your guests with its delicious flavors. Therefore, it’s time to grab your apron and head to the kitchen to create this eastern shore favorite dish today!
Chesapeake Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 lbs whole chickens or 4 lbs chicken pieces (Breasts work well too.)
- 8 -12 8 -12 yellow potatoes or 8 -12 red potatoes
- 2 large yellow onions or 2 large vidalia onions
- 8 -12 stalks celery
- 8 -12 carrots
- 1/4 cup Old Bay Seasoning, to taste
- 1 cup white wine
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Remove skin from chicken if necessary and clean chicken well.
- Scrub potatoes very well being careful not to rip the thin skins on red potatoes if using, if using white or yellow potatoes only peel them if the skins are tough or hopelessly dirty.
- Quarter large potatoes and halve medium to small potatoes.
- Peel and quarter onions.
- Scrub celery and remove ends, cut long celery ribs in half.
- Scrub carrots and remove ends, cut thick carrots in half.
- In a large roasting pan arrange chicken pieces in a single layer if using pieces or place whole chicken in center of pan.
- Place potatoes, onions, celery, and carrots randomly around edges of pan beside chicken.
- Pour white wine over chicken and vegetables making sure to pour wine over entire contents of pan.
- Sprinkle Old Bay Seasoning over chicken, use less for a milder spice, and more for a spicier flavor.
- Put lid on roaster or cover with aluminum foil.
- Place pan in oven and bake on 350 degrees 1 hour and thirty minutes.
- Remove from oven and check for doneness.
- Stick thickest pieces of chicken or thickest part of breast on whole chicken, if juices run clear the chicken is done, if juices are pink or red return pan to oven and continue to bake at 350 degrees for 30 more minutes.
- Remove pan from oven and check chicken for doneness again, if still not done repeat process until juices run clear.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!